Virtual buttons, methods, and program products for dynamically displaying giveaway information

ABSTRACT

Virtual buttons for dynamically displaying giveaway information are disclosed. The virtual buttons may include an interactive body, and dynamic information displayed within the body. The dynamic information may be associated with a giveaway. The dynamic information may include a first set of information relating to the giveaway and displayed prior to a user&#39;s interaction with the interactive body, a second set of information relating to the giveaway and displayed after the user&#39;s interaction with the interactive body, and a third set of information relating to the giveaway and displayed after the giveaway has ended.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present disclosure claims priority or the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. provisional application No. 63/336,302 filed 29 Apr. 2022,which is herein entirely incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to displaying information, and moreparticularly, to virtual buttons, methods, and program products fordynamically displaying information relating to a giveaway or otherprize.

BACKGROUND

Conventional platforms and web-based applications (“apps”) have beenutilized for more than two decades to allow users to accomplish everydaytasks easily and conveniently. From filing paperwork or registering foronline educational classes, to streaming media and engaging in socialinteractions, online or computer-based platforms/apps are used tosimplify a growing paperless and virtual world. In order to interact orengage conventional platforms or apps as intended, a series of textboxes and distinct buttons are used to advance through steps orprocesses. For example, in order to submit personal information tosign-up for a mailing list, users are often required to “click through”multiple pages or sections of the platform or app—each page or sectionincluding distinct text boxes and/or distinct buttons that must beengaged in order to advance. However, these conventional text boxes andbuttons are often static in nature and provide only a limited amount ofinformation and interaction at each step of the process. This in turnrequires coders, developers, and/or programmers to create multiplepages, text boxes, and buttons to achieve each step or process to allowthe user to complete a task or enjoy a computer-based experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in anytechnically possible way.

A first aspect of the disclosure provides a dynamic virtual button,including: an interactive body; and dynamic information displayed withinthe body, the dynamic information associated with a giveaway, whereinthe dynamic information includes: a first set of information relating tothe giveaway prior to a user's interaction with the interactive body; asecond set of information relating to the giveaway after the user'sinteraction with the interactive body; and a third set of informationrelating to the giveaway after the giveaway has ended.

A second aspect of the disclosure provides a method for dynamicallydisplaying information relating to a giveaway on a virtual button. Themethod includes: generating the virtual button in response to obtaininggiveaway data; displaying a first set of information of the dynamicinformation on the generated, virtual button, the first set ofinformation relating to the giveaway prior to a user's interaction withthe virtual button; detecting the user's interaction with the virtualbutton; in response to detecting the user's interaction with the virtualbutton, adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the generated,virtual button from the first set of information to a second set ofinformation of the dynamic information; determining that the giveawayhas ended based on the obtained giveaway data; and in response todetermining that the giveaway has ended, adjusting the dynamicinformation displayed on the generated, virtual button from the secondset of information to a third set of information of the dynamicinformation.

A third aspect of the disclosure provides a computer program productstored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which whenexecuted by a computing system, displays dynamic information relating toa giveaway on a virtual button. The computer program product including:program code that generates the virtual button in response to obtaininggiveaway data; program code that displays a first set of information ofthe dynamic information on the generated, virtual button, the first setof information relating to the giveaway prior to a user's interactionwith the virtual button; program code that detects the user'sinteraction with the virtual button; program code that adjusts thedynamic information displayed on the generated, virtual button from thefirst set of information to a second set of information of the dynamicinformation in response to the program code detecting the user'sinteraction with the virtual button; program code that determines thatthe giveaway has ended based on the obtained giveaway data; and programcode that adjusts the dynamic information displayed on the generated,virtual button from the second set of information to a third set ofinformation of the dynamic information in response to the program codedetermining that the giveaway has ended.

Implementations may include one of the following features, or anycombination thereof.

In certain aspects, at least a portion of the dynamic informationassociated with the giveaway is based on giveaway data predeterminedprior to displaying the first set of information within the interactivebody.

In particular cases, the first set of information relating to thegiveaway includes at least one of: a prize value for the giveaway, theprize value defined by the giveaway data, a number of winners for thegiveaway, the number of winners defined by the giveaway data,user-action instructions to enter the giveaway, the user-actioninstructions defined by the giveaway data, or a time counter identifyingan end of the giveaway, the end of the giveaway defined by the giveawaydata.

In some aspects, the first set of information relating to the giveawayfurther includes at least one of: a number of users participating in thegiveaway, or a milestone number of users required to enter the giveawayto increase the prize value of the giveaway, the milestone number ofusers is defined by the giveaway data.

In particular implementations, the second set of information relating tothe giveaway includes at least one of: an incomplete entry notificationindicating the user has not been entered into the giveaway; entranceverification indicating the user has successfully been entered into thegiveaway, the prize value for the giveaway, the prize value defined bythe giveaway data, the number of winners for the giveaway, the number ofwinners defined by the giveaway data, or the time counter identifyingthe end of the giveaway, the end of the giveaway defined by the giveawaydata.

In some aspects, the second set of information relating to the giveawayincludes visual restrictions indicating the user is excluded fromentering the giveaway based on at least one of the giveaway data or ageolocation of the user, wherein the second set of information relatingto the giveaway further includes at least one of: a number of usersparticipating in the giveaway, or a milestone number of users requiredto enter the giveaway to increase the prize value of the giveaway, themilestone number of users is defined by the giveaway data.

In some cases, the third set of information relating to the giveawayincludes at least one of: expiration confirmation indicating thegiveaway has ended, the prize value for the giveaway, the prize valuedefined by the giveaway data, or the number of winners for the giveaway,the number of winners defined by the giveaway data, wherein the thirdset of information relating to the giveaway further includes: a winnernotification prompting the user to interact with the interactive body toview user-data for the winning user of the giveaway, wherein the winnernotification of the third set of information is displayed on the body inresponse to the user performing a rollover action on the interactivebody; and at least one of: user-data for the winning user of thegiveaway, the user-data displayed on the interactive body in response tothe user performing a rollover action on the interactive body.

In certain implementations, the third set of information relating to thegiveaway further includes: a personal winning notification notifying theuser they have won the giveaway.

Two or more features described in this disclosure, including thosedescribed in this summary section, may be combined to formimplementations not specifically described herein.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objectsand benefits will be apparent from the description and drawings, andfrom the claims.

The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solvethe problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view of a social media platform, accordingto embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative view for creating a Stim on the platform ofFIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show illustrative views of a fillable giveaway promptincluding giveaway data relating to a giveaway to be included on a Stimon the platform of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative view of a review page for the Stimincluding the giveaway of FIGS. 3 and 4 , according to embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative view of a virtual button generated for theStim including the giveaway as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , where thevirtual button displays a first set of information of dynamicinformation prior to a user interacting with the virtual button,according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a second set of information of dynamic information after theuser interacts with the virtual button, according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a second set of information of dynamic information after theuser interacts with the virtual button, according to additionalembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative view of a reply message box after the userinteracts with the virtual button of FIG. 6 , according to embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a third set of information of dynamic information after thegiveaway has ended, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a third set of information of dynamic information after thegiveaway has ended and the user performs a rollover action on thevirtual button, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative view of a pop-up including the winners ofthe giveaway after the user interacts with the virtual button of FIG. 10including the third set of information, according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative view of a fillable giveaway promptincluding giveaway data relating to a giveaway to be included on a Stimon the platform of FIG. 1 , according to additional embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative view of a virtual button generated for aStim including the giveaway where the virtual button displays a firstset of information of dynamic information prior to a user interactingwith the virtual button, according to additional embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a second set of information of dynamic information after theuser interacts with the virtual button, according to further embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows an illustrative view of a virtual button generated for aStim including the giveaway where the virtual button displays a firstset of information of dynamic information prior to a user interactingwith the virtual button, according to another embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an illustrative view of the virtual button of FIG. 6including a third set of information of dynamic information after thegiveaway has ended and the user performs a rollover action on thevirtual button, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows an illustrative view of a virtual button generated for aStim including the giveaway where the virtual button displays a secondset of information of dynamic information after the user interacts withthe virtual button, according to additional embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative view of a generated for a Stim including agiveaway where the virtual button displays a third set of information ofdynamic information after the giveaway has ended, according toadditional embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart illustrating a process for dynamicallydisplaying giveaway information relating to a giveaway on a virtualbutton, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of a computing system configured todisplay dynamic information relating to a giveaway on a virtual button,according to embodiments of the disclosure.

It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. Thedrawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure,and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elementsbetween the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As an initial matter, in order to clearly describe the currentdisclosure, it will become necessary to select certain terminology whenreferring to and describing relevant components within the disclosure.When doing this, if possible, common industry terminology will be usedand employed in a manner consistent with its accepted meaning. Unlessotherwise stated, such terminology should be given a broadinterpretation consistent with the context of the present applicationand the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that often a particular component may be referred tousing several different or overlapping terms. What may be describedherein as being a single part may include and be referenced in anothercontext as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may bedescribed herein as including multiple components may be referred toelsewhere as a single part.

This disclosure is based, at least in part, on the realization that asingle virtual button can be used to dynamically display information toa user, e.g., in an interface such as a graphical user interface (GUI).For example, to simplify the displaying of information and improve auser's experience with various platforms and apps, a single, virtualbutton capable of dynamically displaying information to a user is used.As discussed herein, the disclosure relates generally to displayinginformation, and more particularly, to virtual buttons, methods, andprogram products for dynamically displaying information relating to agiveaway.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-21 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures isfor explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view of a social media platform 100(hereafter, “platform 100”). In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, platform 100 may include the popular social media platform “Stimulus”(www.stimulus.com) which allows users to create content (e.g., text,media, multi-media, etc.), upload content, view content, and/or engageother users on the platform 100. Terms such as “Stim” and “Re-Stim” (orReStim) used herein can refer to the Stimulus social media platform,posts on the Stimulus platform, sharing of social media posts on theStimulus platform, etc. While various aspects are described in thecontext of the popular Stimulus platform, it is understood that platform100 may be any social media platform that allows one or more users tointeract with both the platform 100 and one or more other users duringoperation. As shown in FIG. 1 , platform 100 may include a menu section102, a live feed section 104, and a trending section 106. Menu section102 may provide the user of platform 100 the ability to navigate betweenone or more pages on the platform 100 via one or more correspondingUniform Resource Locators (hereafter, “URL”), such as a home screen, anexplore page (e.g., provides real-time updates of content on platform100), a notifications page, and the user's own profile. Additionally,menu section 102 may enable the user to create a post or Stim (hereafterreferred to as a “Stim”) for public display and dissemination. Live feedsection 104 may include a visual of recent Stims published by the userand/or distinct users which the navigating user follows or likes.Trending section 106 provides user accounts, topics, and/or Stims thatmay be popular and/or trending within platform 100, as well as suggestedusers to follow within platform 100.

As further shown in FIG. 1 , platform 100 may include a Stim creationportion 108. In the non-limiting example shown, Stim creation portion108 may be positioned within live feed section 104. In othernon-limiting examples Stim creation portion 108 may be positioned in anyportion of platform 100 and/or may form a separate pop-up window onceinteracted with in platform 100. Turning to FIG. 2 , and with continuedreference to FIG. 1 , Stim creation portion 108 of platform 100 mayallow a user to create a Stim (see, FIG. 6 ) with various inputs and/oroptions. Stim creation portion 108 may include, among other things, oneor more of the following features: a text field 110, an image toggle112, an emoji toggle 118, a giveaway toggle 120, and a button 122. Textfield 110 may enable a user to provide textual input to be published andvisible in the Stim. Image toggle 112 may enable a user to insertphotos, videos, and/or other media into the Stim. Emoji toggle 118 mayenable a user to insert an emoji(s) into the Stim. Giveaway toggle 120may enable a user to create a giveaway associated with the Stim, asdiscussed in detail herein. Once the Stim is complete, the user mayclick or interact with the “Stim” button 122 to publish the Stim (see,FIG. 6 ) for users to view and interact with publicly. In certain cases,publishing the Stim can make that posting (e.g., Stim) live to all otherusers of the platform 100, e.g., followers, groups of followers, publicgroups, etc. In some cases, a Stim cannot be edited by the user afterpublishing. In other cases, a Stim can be edited or revised afterpublishing. Stim creation portion 108 may include additional inputsand/or options that may be added by users. For example, Stim creationportion 108 may provide users the ability to add gifs (not shown), memes(not shown), direct user-tags (e.g., “@username”), geo-location tags,questions, links to websites, web-based avatars, polls, and/or othersuitable social media based inputs where users of the platform mayinteract, engage, and/or be provided with additional visualizationsbeyond user generated-text or messages.

Giveaway toggle 120 allows users to attach, include, create, and/orgenerate a giveaway that may be included and/or associated with the Stimpublished by the user. As used herein, the term “giveaway” can refer toa contest, competition, or other reward-based activity for entry,submission, or consideration. In a particular example, a giveaway can bepart of a promotional effort by a one or more users or an organizationto engage an audience, e.g., by rewarding participants with a prize orother reward. In further examples, a promoter of the giveaway can definea reward, prize, etc., for one or more users to claim via entry, such asvia a social media platform like Stimulus. As noted herein, the giveawaymay or may not be limited in terms of items offered as prizes, number ofwinners, whether a winner will be selected or otherwise qualify, etc.

When attaching or creating a giveaway to be included with a Stim, theuser may provide various giveaway data specific to the giveaway, whichin turn may facilitate the generation of a single, virtual button thatmay dynamically provide information to the user over the duration of andat the end of the giveaway, as discussed herein. Turning to FIGS. 3 and4 , a non-limiting example of a giveaway prompt 124 is shown. Giveawayprompt 124 may be provided to the user in response to the userinteracting, engaging, and/or clicking the giveaway toggle 120 in Stimcreation portion 108 (see, FIG. 2 ). Giveaway prompt 124 may provide theuser creating the Stim including the giveaway to provide giveaway datarelating to and/or associated with the giveaway itself. In thenon-limiting example shown, giveaway data associated with the giveawaymay include a prize value 126, a number of winners 128 to be selected inthe giveaway, user-based actions 130 to be performed by participatingusers to enter the giveaway, and an end date/time 132 for the giveaway.Prize value 126 and number of winners 128 may be provided by the uservia a numerical input, where the prize for the giveaway is monetary.User-based actions 130 to be performed by users to participate or enterthe giveaway may be dependent, at least in part, on platform 100 and thefunctional limitations thereof. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ,user-based actions 130 for platform 100 may include replying to the Stimthat includes the giveaway (see, FIG. 6 ), reposting or Re-stim(hereafter referred to as a “Restim”) the Stim including the giveawaywithin platform 100, or liking the Stim including the giveaway.Additional user-based actions 130 may also include Restim or repostingthe Stim including the giveaway in a third party or distinct socialmedia platform (not shown), and/or following the user sponsoring,generating and/or creating the Stim that includes the giveaway (notshown). In still further examples (not shown), user-based actions 130may include responding to a question or poll generated in the Stimincluding the giveaway, submitting a picture or video in response to theStim including the giveaway, watching a video included in the Stim, orengaging with a link included in the Stim. End date/time 132 of thegiveaway data may be selected from predetermined amounts of time by theuser creating the Stim including the giveaway.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , prize value 126 and number of winners 128may be configured as fillable text boxes, user-based actions 130 may beconfigured as selectable radio buttons, and end date/time 132 may beconfigured as a selectable dropdown list. However, it is understood thatthe user input, predetermined giveaway data (e.g., 124-132) may beprovided to the user using any suitable data selection/input devices ormeans. Once complete, the user creating the Stim including the giveawaymay click a save button 134, and proceed to reviewing the Stim prior topublication within platform 100.

FIG. 5 shows a Stim review portion 136 of the created Stim including thegiveaway. As shown, Stim review portion 136 may include substantiallysimilar portions and/or components as Stim creation portion 108. It isunderstood that similarly numbered and/or named components may functionin a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of thesecomponents has been omitted for clarity.

Distinct from Stim creation portion 108, however, Stim review portion136 may create a preview 138 of the virtual button and/or the giveawaydata associated with the giveaway included in the Stim that may bepresented to a user of platform 100. In the non-limiting example shownin FIG. 5 , the giveaway data visually presented to the user may besubstantially similar to the data provided in giveaway prompt 124. Forexample, preview 138 may display giveaway data including prize value126, a number of winners 128 to be selected in the giveaway, user-basedactions 130 to be performed by participating users to enter thegiveaway, and an end date/time 132 for the giveaway (see, FIGS. 3 and 4). Once finalized, a user may click or interact with “Stim” button 122to publish the Stim including the giveaway for users to view andinteract with publicly, as discussed herein.

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a published Stim 140 including agiveaway. Stim 140 may include various portions that may be publishedand/or visible, as well as interactive, to a user of platform 100. Stim140 may include, for example, one or more of the following: visible text142 that corresponds to user input in text field 110 (see, FIG. 2 ); areply toggle 144 configured to enable one or more users of the platform100 to reply or comment on the Stim 140; a Restim toggle 146 configuredto enable one or more users to repost (e.g., Restim) the Stim 140; a“like” toggle 148 configured to enable a user to “like” the Stim 140;and a link or share toggle 150 configured to enable a user todisseminate the Stim 140 outside of the platform 100 (e.g., in adistinct social media platform). Although various toggles 144-150 areshown in Stim 140, it is understood that Stim 140 and/or platform 100may determine, at least in part, the amount and variety of togglespresented to the user in each published Stim. In certain cases,actuating one or more of the toggles 144-150 can automatically performan action, e.g., “like” toggle 148 automatically provides a visualindicator that the user has promoted or “liked” the Stim 140, and Restimtoggle 146 automatically shares the Stim 140 with followers or otherusers associated with the user in response to actuation. In still othercases, actuating one or more of the toggles 144-150 provides a prompt tothe user to take another action, e.g., reply toggle 144 presents theuser with a dialog box to enter text replying to the Stim 140. A user ofplatform 100 may engage, interact and/or click any and all toggles144-150 included in Stim 140 to engage with platform 100 as intended. Asdiscussed herein, user-based actions may also be performed in order forthe user to participate or enter the giveaway associated with orincluded in Stim 140.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , the Stim 140 may include a virtual button152 that is generated within and/or with Stim 140 based at least in parton the giveaway prompt 124 (see, FIG. 3 ) and/or the publication of Stim140 within platform 100. For example, when a user desires to include agiveaway (e.g., a competition with a prize) within Stim 140, the virtualbutton 152 associated with the giveaway may be generated, included,displayed and/or otherwise associated with the Stim 140. As discussedherein, virtual button 152 may dynamically display information relatingto the giveaway associated with Stim 140 throughout the duration of thegiveaway and/or after the giveaway has ended or expired. Dynamicinformation displayed on virtual button 152 throughout the giveaway maybe based on, at least in part, the predetermined giveaway data providedby the user and giveaway prompt 124 (see, FIG. 3 ) prior to thepublication of Stim 140 including the giveaway and virtual button 152.Virtual button 152 may include an interactive body 154 configured todisplay dynamic information.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the virtual button 152 may be configured todynamically display a first set of information 156 relating to thegiveaway. The first set of information 156 of the dynamic informationmay be displayed on the interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 basedon one or more user interactions, or lack of interaction, with virtualbutton 152. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6 , Stim 140including virtual button 152 may be presented, shown, and/or depictedprior to a user's interaction with interactive body 154 of virtualbutton 152. The result of the user not yet interacting with virtualbutton 152, interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 may display,depict, and/or visually present first set of information 156. As shown,first set of information 156 displayed on virtual button 152 mayinclude, but is not limited to, a prize value for the giveaway, and useraction instructions to enter the giveaway associated with Stim 140. Inthis example, the prize value for the giveaway and the user actioninstructions displayed on virtual button 152 may correspond and/orcorrelate with prize value 126 and user-based actions 130, respectively,as predetermined by the giveaway data (see, FIG. 3 ). In othernon-limiting examples discussed herein (see, FIGS. 13 and 15 ), firstset of information 156 displayed on interactive body 154 of virtualbutton 152 may include additional, predefined prize or giveaway data.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , the Stim 140 may also include a timecounter 158. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6 , time counter158 may be positioned adjacent virtual button 152. Time counter 158 mayidentify an end of the giveaway, and may dynamically change (e.g.,countdown) during the course of the giveaway. Time counter 158 may bedefined by the giveaway data provided by the user in end date/time 132of giveaway prompt 124 (see, FIG. 3 ). In other non-limiting examplesdiscussed herein, time counter 158 may not be displayed separate fromvirtual button 152, but rather may be displayed within interactive body154 of virtual button 152 (see, FIG. 14 ).

A user of platform 100 may interact with virtual button 152 in order toenter the giveaway associated with Stim 140. More specifically, a usermay interact, engage, and/or “click” virtual button 152 in order toparticipate or properly enter the giveaway in order to potentially bedeemed a winner. By clicking virtual button 152, the user-based actiondefined by the user sponsoring the giveaway in Stim 140 may beautomatically performed. For example, and as shown in FIG. 6 ,user-based instructions included in first set of information 156 mayinclude “Like to enter”—as displayed on virtual button 152. As such, andupon interacting or clicking on virtual button 152, Stim 140 may beautomatically liked by the user (see, FIG. 7 ) (e.g., no need for userto click like toggle 148), and the user may be entered into thegiveaway, if no restrictions apply as discussed herein.

FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of Stim 140 and virtual button 152after the user interacts with virtual button 152. More specifically,after a user interacts, engages, and/or “clicks” virtual button 152,user-based actions, as predetermined by the user in giveaway prompt 124(see, FIG. 3 ), may be automatically performed. In the non-limitingexample, Stim 140 may be provided with a “like” status upon interactingwith virtual button 152, as indicated by the highlighting, lighting-up,and/or alteration to like toggle 148 of Stim 140.

In addition to automatically performing the user-based action uponinteracting with virtual button 152, the dynamic information displayedon interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 may also be altered,changed, and/or modified. That is, after the user interacts with virtualbutton 152, interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 may display asecond set of information 160 and/or may replace the previouslydisplayed first set of information 158. At least a portion of second setof information 160 displayed on virtual button 152 may be substantiallysimilar to a portion of first set of information 156 displayed onvirtual button 152 prior to the user interaction. For example, secondset of information 160 shown in FIG. 7 may continue to display the prizevalue as determined by the predetermined giveaway data (e.g., prizevalue 126—FIG. 3 ). In the non-limiting example shown, the user may havesuccessfully entered and/or become a participant of the giveawayincluded in Stim 140. As such, second set of information 160 may includeentrance verification indicating that the user has successfully beenentered into the giveaway (“Entered”). In other non-limiting examplesdiscussed herein (see, FIG. 15 ), second set of information 160 mayinclude a visual restriction indicating the user is excluded fromentering the giveaway associated with Stim 140 when applicable. Asdiscussed herein, the visual display and/or the adjustment of thedynamic information displayed on virtual button 152 after the userinteracts with button 152 may be accomplished automatically.Additionally, and to remind the user that they have already entered thegiveaway and/or to prevent the user from illegally entering the giveawaymore than once, virtually button 152 may continue to display second setof information 160 until the giveaway associated with Stim 140 hasended.

FIG. 8 shows another non-limiting example of Stim 140 and virtual button152 after the user interacts with virtual button 152. More specifically,after a user interacts, engages, and/or “clicks” virtual button 152,user-based actions, as predetermined by the user in giveaway prompt 124(see, FIG. 3 ), may be automatically performed. In the non-limitingexample, Stim 140 may be provided with a “Restim” status uponinteracting with virtual button 152, as indicated by the highlighting,lighting-up, and/or alteration to Restim toggle 146 of Stim 140.

FIG. 9 depicts a comment or reply pop-up window 162 which may beautomatically provided to the user upon interacting with virtual button152 to enter or participate in the giveaway associated with Stim 140. Inthis non-limiting example, reply pop-up window 162 may be automaticallyprovided to the user when the user interacts, engages, and/or clicksvirtual button 152 and the user-based action as defined by the giveawaydata requires the user to comment or reply to Stim 140. Reply pop-upwindow 162 may provide a reply text field 164 to add personal text tothe reply. Once the user provides text and clicks “Stim” button 122, thereply to Stim 140 may be published. Additionally, virtual button 152 maybe adjusted to display second set of information 160 on interactive body154 of virtual button 152, as similarly shown in FIG. 7 or 8 .

FIG. 10 shows Stim 140 after the associated giveaway has ended. In thenon-limiting example, the dynamic information displayed on interactivebody 154 of virtual button 152 may be further adjusted in response todetermining that the giveaway included in Stim 140 has ended or expired,as provided by the predetermined giveaway data (see, FIG. 3 ). Morespecifically, the second set of information 160 may no longer bedisplayed on virtual button 152, and now a third set of information 166may be displayed on interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 in thesecond set of information's 160 place.

Similar to the first set of information 156 and second set ofinformation 160, at least a portion of third set of information 166displayed on virtual button 152 may be substantially similar to aportion of second set of information 160 displayed on virtual button 152prior to the end or expiration of the giveaway. For example, third setof information 166 shown in FIG. 10 may continue to display the prizevalue as determined by the predetermined giveaway data (e.g., prizevalue 126—FIG. 3 ). Because the giveaway associated with Stim 140 hasended, third set of information 166 may include expiration confirmationindicating the giveaway has ended for all users (“Ended”). As discussedherein, the visual display and/or the adjustment of the dynamicinformation displayed on virtual button 152 after the giveaway has endedmay be accomplished automatically. Additionally, and to remind the userthat they may no longer enter or participate in the giveaway, virtuallybutton 152 may continue to display third set of information 166indefinitely.

FIG. 11 shows another non-limiting example of virtual button 152included in Stim 140 after the associated giveaway has ended.Specifically, in the example shown, the third set of information 166 maydynamically change or be altered in response to additional interactionsby the user of platform 100. For example, when a user performs arollover action on interactive body 154 of the virtually button 152using an indicator component (e.g., mouse, cursor, stylus, finger,etc.), the dynamic information included in third set of information 166displayed on virtual button 152 may be further altered, adjusted, and/orchanged. As shown in FIG. 11 , upon detecting the rollover action, thirdset of information 166 may also include a winner notification (“Viewwinners”). The winner notification may prompt the user to furtherengage, interact, and/or “click” on virtual button 152 to view user-datafor the winning user(s) of the giveaway associated with Stim 140.Briefly, turning to FIG. 12 , a non-limiting example of a winner(s)pop-up window 168 may be provided to the user upon interacting withvirtual button 152 displaying the third set of information 166 as shownin FIG. 11 . In other non-limiting examples discussed herein (see, FIG.17 ), the winners/user-data associated with the winners of the giveawaymay be depicted, visually provided, and/or displayed adjacent virtualbutton 152 or directly on interactive body 154 of virtual button 152.

In still further examples, third set of information 166 displayed onvirtual button 152 may include the winner notification only, assimilarly shown in FIG. 11 . That is, upon the expiration of theassociated giveaway, virtual button 152 may not display the expirationconfirmation indicating the giveaway has ended for all users (“Ended”),as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 . Rather, the third set of information166, automatically adjusted on virtual button 152 at the expiration ofthe associated giveaway, may display, include, and/or provide the winnernotification (“View winners”). As similarly discussed herein, virtuallybutton 152 may continue to display third set of information 166indefinitely to remind the user that they may no longer enter orparticipate in the giveaway.

Although shown and discussed herein as being a monetary or cash prize,it is understood that prize value 126 of giveaway prompt 124 (see, FIG.3 ) may also incorporate a physical or actual prize as well. That is, auser of platform 100 that may create the giveaway using giveaway prompt124 may choose to give away or offer a physical prize to the winner ofthe giveaway. For example, the user may utilize giveaway prompt 124 tooffer a free t-shirt as prize value 126. In a non-limiting example shownin FIG. 13 , giveaway prompt 124 may initial provide the user with theoption to offer a monetary prize or a physical prize for prize value 126of the created giveaway. Where prize value 126 is designated as aphysical prize, prize value 126 field of giveaway prompt may beconfigured as fillable text box so user may provide a writtendescription of the physical prize. Additionally, giveaway prompt 124 mayalso provide the user with the ability to upload or include a photodisplaying the physical prize.

In the event that prize value 126 for the giveaway is a physical prize,additional communications may be beneficial between the user generatingthe giveaway and the winner. That is, winners of the giveaway may needto be subsequently contacted by the user generating the giveaway toobtain additional information pertaining to the physical prize.Continuing the example above, when a winner is selected, the usergenerating the giveaway may message the winner to obtain their shirtsize, and their home address for shipping purposes. In othernon-limiting examples, the user generating the giveaway may ask users,via a question or poll, to select their shirt size while the giveaway isactive. In this example, some of the winner's information or preference(e.g., shirt size) may already be known to the user.

FIG. 14 shows another non-limiting example of Stim 140 including virtualbutton 152 generated for the giveaway. It is understood that similarlynumbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similarfashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted forclarity.

As shown in FIG. 14 , first set of information 156 may includeadditional dynamic information when compared to FIG. 6 . In thisnon-limiting example, first set of information 156 displayed ininteractive body 154 of virtual button 152 may include time counter 158to identify an end of the giveaway. As discussed herein, time counter158 displayed in virtual button 152 may dynamically change (e.g.,countdown) during the course of the giveaway.

FIG. 15 shows another non-limiting example of Stim 140 after the userinteracts with virtual button 152. Distinct from the non-limitingexample discussed herein with respect to FIG. 7 , the user who clickedon virtual button 152 included in Stim 140 as shown in FIG. 15 may notbe successfully entered into the giveaway, but rather may be restrictedor prevented from entering. In this example, second set of information160 displayed on interactive body 154 of virtual button 152 may includegiveaway restrictions (e.g., “New York residents are unable to enterthis giveaway”). The visual restrictions included in second set ofinformation 160 may indicate the user is excluded from entering thegiveaway based on the obtained giveaway data, age of the user, personaldata relating to the sponsor of the giveaway, limitations, orrestrictions for the number of users who may enter the giveaway, ageolocation of the user and/or the like. That is, when creating agiveaway associated with Stim 140, the entity creating the giveawayand/or the administrator of the giveaway may restrict the giveawayand/or establish rules relating to the giveaway. For example, the entitycreating the giveaway and/or the administrator of the giveaway maygeographically restrict where winners may reside (e.g., for legalpurposes). Geolocation restrictions, as shown in the non-limitingexample of FIG. 15 , may be determined, established, and/or based upon,for example, predetermined personal information provided by the userinteracting with Stim 140. In one example, a user may verify theiridentity by providing a driver's license confirming their identity, aswell as place of residence. This information may be stored, andassociated with the specific user. To remind the user that they areunable to enter the giveaway, virtual button 152 may continue to displaysecond set of information 160 including the visual restrictions untilthe giveaway associated with Stim 140 has ended.

Although discussed herein as being displayed after the user clicks onvirtual button 152, in another example, second set of information 160including giveaway restrictions may be automatically displayed oninteractive body 154 of virtual button 152. That is, where a user isrestricted from entering into a giveaway associated with Stim 140 basedon predetermined geolocation, virtual button 152 may automaticallydisplay second set of information 160 including giveaway restrictioninformation (e.g., “New York residents are unable to enter thisgiveaway”). In either example, once virtual button 152 displays secondset of information 160 including giveaway restriction, virtual button152 included in Stim 140 may remain “inactive” or non-interactive to theuser of platform 100 until a third set of information 166 is displayedthereon, as discussed herein.

FIG. 16 shows a further non-limiting example of Stim 140 includingvirtual button 152 generated for the giveaway. In this example, firstset of information 156 (or second set of information 160, not shown) mayalso include displaying a number of users participating in the giveawayand/or a milestone number of users required to enter the giveaway toincrease the prize value (collectively “170”). In this non-limitingexample, the number of users participating in the giveaway maydynamically change over the course of the giveaway and the milestonenumber of users may be predefined or predetermined by the giveaway dataprovided by the user posting Stim 140 and sponsoring the giveawayassociated therewith (see, FIG. 3 ).

FIG. 17 shows an additional non-limiting example of Stim 140 after thegiveaway has ended. In the example, virtual button 152 may display thirdset of information 166, as similar discussed herein. Additionally, uponan interaction (e.g., click, rollover action) with virtual button 152,the winners and/or user-data associated with the winners 172 of thegiveaway may be displayed adjacent to virtual button 152. In stillanother non-limiting example (not shown), upon an interaction (e.g.,click, rollover action) with virtual button 152, the winners and/oruser-data associated with the winners may dynamically/continuouslyscroll within interactive body 154 of virtual button 152.

Although discussed herein that user-based action is a single action(e.g., like, comment, Restim), it is understood that a user may berequired to perform multiple user-based actions in order to enter orparticipate in a giveaway included within a Stim. For example, a usermay be required to both like and follow the user/sponsor who publishedthe Stim including the giveaway. Continuing the examples discussedherein, a user may simply interact, engage, and/or “click” virtualbutton 152 and platform 100 may automatically “like” the Stim includingthe giveaway, as similarly discussed herein with respect to FIG. 7 .Simultaneously and instantaneously engaging with virtual button 152 mayalso connect the participating user with the Stim-creating user/sponsorsuch that the participating user may now be following the Stim-creatinguser/sponsor of the giveaway. In this non-limiting example, virtualbutton 152 may automatically perform multiple user-based actions toenter the user in the giveaway, and once complete/confirmed, maydynamically adjust the information displayed thereon from the first setof information 156 to the second set of information 160, as similarlydiscussed herein with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

In non-limiting examples where the user is required to perform multipleuser-based actions in order to enter or participate in a giveawayincluded within a Stim, second set of information of the dynamicinformation displayed on virtual button 152 may include additionalvisual outputs. For example, and with reference to FIG. 18 , thegiveaway included in Stim 140 may require a user to both “like” Stim 140as well as comment on Stim 140 in order to participate or enter thegiveaway. Upon engaging, interacting, and/or “clicking” on virtualbutton 152 displaying first set of information 156 (not shown), Stim 140may be automatically and/or instantaneously liked—as confirmed in FIG.18 by the highlighting, lighting-up, and/or alteration to like toggle148 of Stim 140. Additionally, upon interacting, engaging, and/or“clicking” on virtual button 152 in the non-limiting example of FIG. 18, comment or reply pop-up window 162, similar to the one shown anddiscussed herein with respect to FIG. 9 , may be automatically andinstantaneously provided to the user of platform 100. In an examplewhere the user adds text to text field 164 and clicks on Stim button 122in pop-up window 162, the user may be entered into the giveaway includedin Stim 140 and virtual button 152 may adjust the dynamic informationdisplayed thereon from first set of information 156 to second set ofinformation 160, as similarly discussed herein.

In another example where the user does not complete the comment or reply(e.g., does not add text to text field 164 of pop-up window 162 andclick on Stim button 122), the user may not be entered or participate inthe giveaway for failing to complete all user-based actions. That is, ifthe user, for example, prematurely closes pop-up window 162 or quitsplatform 100 before hitting Stim button 122, the user may not havecompleted all user-based actions to enter or participate in thegiveaway. As such, second set of information 160 displayed on virtualbutton may include and/or display an incomplete entry notification 176.More specifically, and in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 18 ,second set of information 160 displayed on interactive body 154 ofvirtual button 152 may include incomplete entry notification 176(“You're halfway there! Comment to finish entry”) indicating to the userthat additional user-based action(s) need to be performed in order toenter or participate in the giveaway. The user may then interact withvirtual button 152, which may again instantaneously provide pop-upwindow 162 to the user. Alternatively, and as similarly discussedherein, the user may also opt to interact or click reply toggle 144 inStim 140 to perform the required user-based action. Once the userreplies or comments on Stim 140, second set of information 160 displayedon virtual button 152 of Stim 140 may be dynamically altered to displaythe entrance verification indicating that the user has successfully beenentered into the giveaway (“Entered”), as similarly shown and discussedherein with respect to FIG. 7 .

Although discussed herein that multiple user-based actions include alike+follow or a like+comment/reply, it is understood that any number ofuser-based actions may be required to enter the giveaway included withpublished Stims. Additionally, any combination of the user-based actionsdiscussed herein may be required for the user to enter the giveaway. Inany example, virtual button 152 may provide automatic and instantaneousactions to aid the user to more easily, securely, and quickly enter thegiveaway included with the Stim displaying virtual button 152.

FIG. 19 shows another non-limiting example of Stim 140 after thegiveaway has ended. In the example, virtual button 152 may display thirdset of information 166, as similar discussed herein. Additionally, uponinteracting (e.g., click, rollover action) with virtual button 152, apersonal, winning notification may be displayed to a winning user. Thatis, in a non-limiting example where a user interacting with Stim 140 isa winner of the giveaway, third set of information 166 displayed onvirtual button 152 may include a personal winning notification 178(e.g., “YOU ARE A WINNER”), notifying the user that they have in factwon the giveaway. In this example, non-winning users may be provided thethird set of information 166 as similarly discussed herein with respectto FIGS. 10, 11 , and/or 17.

Although discussed herein as virtual button 152 performing varioususer-based actions automatically upon interaction, it is understood thatthe user may perform the user-based actions independent of virtualbutton 152. For example, where a user is required to like a Stim, a usermay interact, engage, and/or click the like toggle 148 instead ofinteracting with virtual button 152 included in Stim 140. Performingthis user-based action may be substantially similar to interacting withvirtual button 152 in that the user may be successfully entered into thegiveaway subsequent to completing the required user-based action. In thenon-limiting example where the user performs the user-based actionwithout interacting with virtual button 152, virtual button 152 includedin Stim 140 may continue to follow the process discussed herein withrespect to FIGS. 7-12 , for example. That is, even if the user does notutilize virtual button 152 to automatically perform the user-basedactions to enter the giveaway, if the user performs the requiredactions, virtual button 152 may follow the processes discussed hereinfor dynamically displaying the second set of information 160 andsubsequently the third set of information 166 as if the user did utilizevirtual button 152. In the example, when the user completes all requireduser-based actions, virtual button 152 may be adjusted to no longerdisplay the first set of information 156, and may subsequently displaythe second set of information 160 and third set of information 166,respectively.

FIG. 20 depicts example processes for dynamically displaying giveawayinformation. More specifically, FIG. 20 depicts a non-limiting exampleof processes for displaying dynamic information relating to a giveawayon a generated, virtual button. The virtual button and dynamicinformation in these processes may be substantially similar to thoseshown and discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 1-19 , and may begenerated and displayed using the computing system of FIG. 21 .

In process P1 giveaway data may be obtained. That is, predetermined datarelating to the giveaway included in the user-generated Stim may beobtained, determined, detected, and/or received. The predeterminedgiveaway data provided by the user may include, but is not limited to, apredetermined prize amount or value for the giveaway, a predeterminednumber of winners for the giveaway, predetermined user-based actions inorder for the user to enter the giveaway, and/or a predetermined enddate/time for the giveaway. In non-limiting examples, the predetermineduser-based actions may include the user reply to the Stim including thegiveaway, Restim (e.g., repost) the Stim including the giveaway, or likethe Stim including the giveaway.

In process P2 a virtual button may be generated. More specifically, avirtual button pertaining to the giveaway associated with and/orincluded in the Stim may be created, built, generated, and/orestablished within the social media platform. As discussed herein, thesingle, virtual button generated in process P2 may be the single buttonused in various stages of the giveaway and/or may provide variousinteractive options and information relating to the giveaway for theuser.

In process P3 dynamic information may be displayed on the generated,virtual button. That is, virtual button may display a first set ofinformation of dynamic information relating to the giveaway. The firstset of information may be displayed on the generated, virtual buttonprior to a user interacting with the virtual button. At least a portionof the displayed first set of information may be dependent or based onthe predetermined giveaway data obtained in process P1. For example,displaying the first set of information may include displaying a prizevalue (e.g., monetary prize or physical prize) for the giveaway and/ordisplaying a number of winners for the giveaway, where the prize valueand the number of winners may be defined by the giveaway data.Additionally, or alternatively, displaying the first set of informationmay include displaying user-action instructions (e.g., like, reply,Restim) to enter the giveaway, and/or displaying a time counteridentifying an end of the giveaway. Similar to the prize value andnumber of winners, the user-instructions and the end of the giveaway maybe defined by the giveaway data. In additional non-limiting examples,displaying the first set of information may include displaying a numberof users participating in the giveaway, and/or displaying a milestonenumber of users required to enter the giveaway to increase the prizevalue of the giveaway. In this non-limiting example, the milestonenumber of users may also be defined by the giveaway data.

In process P4 a user's interaction with the virtual button may bedetected. More specifically, a user may interact, engage, and/or “click”on the generated, virtual button in order to automatically perform theuser-based action, as defined by the predetermined giveaway data, inorder to enter or participate in the giveaway. In the non-limitingexample where the user is required to “like” the Stim including thegiveaway, interacting or “clicking” the virtual button may automatically“like” the Stim and enter the user into the giveaway, if restrictions donot apply (see, process P5). In another example where the user isrequired to Restim the Stim including the giveaway, interacting or“clicking” the virtual button may automatically Restim the original Stimand enter the user into the giveaway, if restrictions do not apply (see,process P5). In a further non-limiting example where the user isrequired to reply to the Stim including the giveaway, interacting or“clicking” the virtual button may automatically generate a pop-up windowto allow a user to reply or input text in response to the original Stim.Once the user enters the text and replies, the user may then be enteredinto the giveaway, if restrictions do not apply (see, process P5).

In process P5 the dynamic information may be adjusted. Morespecifically, and in response to detecting the user's interaction withthe virtual button in process P4, the dynamic information displayed onthe virtual button may be adjusted, altered, and/or changed from thefirst set of information to a second set of information. As discussedherein, the second set of information may be displayed on the generated,virtual button in response to or subsequent to the user interacting withthe virtual button to enter or be disqualified from the giveaway.Similar to the first set of information, at least a portion of thedisplayed second set of information may be dependent or based on thepredetermined giveaway data obtained in process P1. For example,adjusting the virtual button to display the second set of informationmay include continuing to display the prize value for the giveaway, thenumber of winners for the giveaway, and/or the time counter identifyingan end of the giveaway. As similarly discussed herein with respect toprocess P3, the prize value, the number of winners, and the time countermay be defined by the giveaway data. In additional non-limitingexamples, adjusting the virtual button to display the second set ofinformation may include displaying a number of users participating inthe giveaway, and/or displaying a milestone number of users required toenter the giveaway to increase the prize value of the giveaway. In thisnon-limiting example, the milestone number of users may also be definedby the giveaway data. In this example, process P5 may continue todisplay the number of user participants/milestone number of userspreviously displayed in process P3. Alternatively, where no number ofuser participants/milestone number of users are displayed in process P3,the number of user participants/milestone number of users may bedisplayed on the virtual button in process P5.

Additionally, adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the virtualbutton in process P5 may include discontinuing to display theuser-action instructions to enter the giveaway as a result of the userperforming or attempting to perform the user-based actions. In anexample where the user successfully enters the giveaway by performingthe user-based actions, and no restrictions (e.g., geolocation) preventthe user from participating in the giveaway, adjusting the virtualbutton to display the second set of information in process P5 may alsoinclude displaying entrance verification on the virtual button. That is,after successfully entering the giveaway, an entrance verification orconfirmation may be displayed on the virtual button indicating that theuser has successfully been entered into the giveaway. Conversely, wherethe user is excluded or restricted from entering the giveaway, forexample due to geolocation, adjusting the virtual button to display thesecond set of information in process P5 may include displaying a visualrestriction on the virtual button. The visual restriction displayed onthe virtual button may indicate that the user is excluded from enteringor participating in the giveaway. As discussed herein, users may berestricted or excluded from participating in giveaways base on theobtained giveaway data, age of the user, personal data relating to thesponsor of the giveaway, limitations or restrictions for the number ofusers who may enter the giveaway, a geolocation of the user and/or thelike. In still another example where the user has not completed alluser-based actions in order to enter or participate in the giveawayassociated with the Stim, an incomplete entry notification may bedisplayed on the virtual button. The incomplete entry notificationdisplayed on the virtual button may be included in the second set ofinformation and may indicate that the user has not been entered into thegiveaway and/or indicating to the user that additional user-basedaction(s) need to be performed in order to enter or participate in thegiveaway.

In process P6 it may be determined that the giveaway has ended. Forexample, after a predetermined duration of time, it may be determined,verified, and/or confirmed that the giveaway included in the Stim hasended. As discussed herein, the end date and/or time for a giveaway maybe predetermined based on the giveaway data obtained in process P1and/or set by the sponsor of the giveaway.

In process P7 the dynamic information may be adjusted again. Morespecifically, and in response to determining the giveaway has ended inprocess P6, the dynamic information displayed on the virtual button maybe adjusted, altered, and/or changed from the second set of informationto a third set of information. As discussed herein, the third set ofinformation may be displayed on the generated, virtual button inresponse to or subsequent to the giveaway ending. Similar to the firstand second sets of information, at least a portion of the displayedthird set of information may be dependent or based on the predeterminedgiveaway data obtained in process P1. For example, adjusting the virtualbutton to display the third set of information may include continuing todisplay the prize value for the giveaway, and/or the number of winnersfor the giveaway. As similarly discussed herein with respect toprocesses P3 and P5, the prize value, and/or the number of winners maybe defined by the giveaway data.

Adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the virtual button inprocess P7 may further include discontinuing to display the entranceverification or the visual restrictions previously displayed on thevirtual button in process P5. In place of the discontinued informationof the second set of information, adjusting the dynamic information mayalso include displaying an expiration confirmation on the virtualbutton. More specifically, in place of the entrance verification or thevisual restrictions, the virtual button may be adjusted to display anexpiration confirmation indicating that the giveaway has ended and usersare no longer able to perform the user-based actions to enter orparticipate in the giveaway.

In process P8 (shown in phantom as optional) a rollover action may bedetected. More specifically, and subsequent to the ending of thegiveaway (process P6) and the adjustment of the virtual button todisplay the third set of information (process P7), rollover actions maybe detected on the virtual button. Rollover actions may be detected,occur, and/or triggered when a user moves the indicator component (e.g.,mouse, cursor, stylus, finger, etc.) over the virtual button. Innon-limiting examples, the rollover event may be detected and subsequentprocesses may be triggered (e.g., process P9) by merely moving theindicator component over the virtual button, or alternatively when theindicator component is moved over the virtually button and the button issubsequently interacted with, engaged, and/or “clicked.”

In process P9 the dynamic information may be once again adjusted. Morespecifically, and in response to detecting a rollover event on thevirtual button in process P8, the dynamic information displayed on thevirtual button may be adjusted, altered, and/or changed to includeadditional information in the third set of information. For example, andsubsequent to detecting a rollover event, adjusting the dynamicinformation on the virtual button in process P9 may includediscontinuing to display the expiration confirmation indicating thegiveaway has ended. In place of the expiration confirmation, additionalinformation may be displayed on the virtual button. In one non-limitingexample, a winner notification may be displayed on the virtual button.The winner notification may prompt the user to interact, engage, and/or“click” the virtual button to view user-data for the winning users ofthe giveaway. In this example, and upon interacting with the virtualbutton in process P9, a separate pop-up window may be visually providedand/or appear including user-data for the winning user(s) of thegiveaway. In another non-limiting example, and in response to detectingthe rollover action in process P8, user-data for the winning user of thegiveaway may appear or be displayed. In one example, the user-data forthe winning user(s) may be displayed as a dropdown list originating fromthe virtual button. In another example, user-data for the winner may bedisplayed directly on and may scroll through the virtual button duringthe rollover action. In another non-limiting example, when a user who isdeemed a winner of the giveaway interacts (e.g., clicks, performs arollover) with the virtual button, the winning user may receive apersonal winning notification. That is, adjusting the virtual button todisplay the third set of information may include displaying the personalwinning notification to notify the winning user that they have in factwon the giveaway.

FIG. 21 depicts a schematic view of a computing environment or system400 (hereafter, “computing system 400”), and the various componentsincluded within computing system 400. In the non-limiting example shownin FIG. 21 , computing system 400 may include at least one computingdevice 402 that may be configured to generate a virtual button (seee.g., FIGS. 6-11 ) for dynamically displaying giveaway information byperforming the processes P1-P9 discussed herein with respect to FIG. 20. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components mayfunction in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation ofthese components has been omitted for clarity.

It is understood that computing device(s) 402 may be implemented as acomputer program product stored on a computer readable storage medium.The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Java, Python, Smalltalk, C++ orthe like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the“C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Computing system 400 may include any type of computing device(s) 402 andfor example includes at least one processor or processing component(s)404, storage component 406, input/output (I/O) component(s) 408(including a keyboard, touchscreen, or monitor display), and acommunications pathway 410. In general, processing component(s) 404execute program code which is at least partially fixed or stored instorage component 406. While executing program code, processingcomponent(s) 404 can process data, which can result in reading and/orwriting transformed data from/to storage component 406 and/or I/Ocomponent(s) 408 for further processing. The pathway 410 provides acommunications link between each of the components in computingdevice(s) 402. I/O component 408 can comprise one or more human I/Odevices, which enables user 412 to interact with computing device(s) 402to create stims with giveaways and generated virtual buttons thatdynamically display information relating to the giveaway, as discussedherein. Computing device(s) 402 may also be implemented in a distributedmanner such that different components reside in different physicallocations.

Storage component 406 may also include modules, data and/or electronicinformation relating to various other aspects of computing system 400.Specifically, operational modules, electronic information, and/or datarelating to first set of information data 418, second set of informationdata 418, and third set of information data 420. The operationalmodules, information, and/or data may include the required informationand/or may allow computing system 400, and specifically computing device402, to perform the processes discussed herein for creating stims withgiveaways and generated virtual buttons that dynamically displayinformation relating to the giveaway.

Computing system 400, and specifically computing device 402 of computingsystem 400, may also be in communication with external storage component424. External storage component 424 may be configured to store variousmodules, data and/or electronic information relating to various otheraspects of computing system 400, similar to storage component 406 ofcomputing device(s) 402. Additionally, external storage component 424may be configured to share (e.g., send and receive) data and/orelectronic information with computing device(s) 402 of computing system400. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 21 , external storagecomponent 424 may include any or all of the operational modules and/ordata shown to be stored on storage component 406 (e.g., data 418-422).In a non-limiting example, external storage component 424 may be acloud-based storage component or system.

In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 21 , computing device(s) 402 maybe in communication with and/or may be configured to share (e.g., sendand receive) data and/or electronic information over a network 426.Network 426 may represent a closed network, such as a local area network(LAN) or may include the internet. During operation of computing device402, the Stim including the giveaway created by user 412 may bedisseminated over network 426.

Furthermore, it is understood that computing device(s) 402 of computingsystem 400 or relevant components thereof (such as an API component,agents, etc.) may also be automatically or semi-automatically deployedinto a computer system by sending the components to a central server ora group of central servers. The components are then downloaded into atarget computer that will execute the components. The components arethen either detached to a directory or loaded into a directory thatexecutes a program that detaches the components into a directory.Another alternative is to send the components directly to a directory ona client computer hard drive. When there are proxy servers, the processwill select the proxy server code, determine on which computers to placethe proxy servers' code, transmit the proxy server code, and theninstall the proxy server code on the proxy computer. The components willbe transmitted to the proxy server and then it will be stored on theproxy server.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

As discussed herein, various systems and components are described as“obtaining” data (e.g., obtain giveaway data, etc.). It is understoodthat the corresponding data can be obtained using any solution. Forexample, the corresponding system/component can generate and/or be usedto generate the data, retrieve the data from one or more data stores(e.g., a database), receive the data from another system/component,and/or the like. When the data is not generated by the particularsystem/component, it is understood that another system/component can beimplemented apart from the system/component shown, which generates thedata and provides it to the system/component and/or stores the data foraccess by the system/component.

The foregoing drawings show some of the processing associated accordingto several embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each drawingor block within a flow diagram of the drawings represents a processassociated with embodiments of the method described. It should also benoted that in some alternative implementations, the acts noted in thedrawings or blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figure or,for example, may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or inthe reverse order, depending upon the act involved. Also, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional blocks thatdescribe the processing may be added.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means thatthe subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur,and that the description includes instances where the event occurs andinstances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” are notto be limited to the precise value specified. In at least someinstances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision ofan instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout thespecification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/orinterchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.“Approximately” as applied to a particular value of a range applies toboth values, and unless otherwise dependent on the precision of theinstrument measuring the value, may indicate +/−10% of the statedvalue(s).

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: providing a configuration interfaceenabling at least one creator user to create a social media post,wherein the configuration interface includes a giveaway toggle; inresponse to an interaction at the giveaway toggle, displaying on theconfiguration interface a giveaway prompt for the at least one creatoruser to enter giveaway data, wherein the giveaway data defines at leastone of a prize value of the giveaway, a number of participating users tobe selected as winners of the giveaway, or an end date or time of thegiveaway; in response to an interaction at the giveaway prompt,displaying on the configuration interface a publication prompt topublish the giveaway; in response to an interaction at the publicationprompt, publishing the giveaway in the social media post, whereinpublishing the giveaway comprises: generating a dynamic virtual buttonto display dynamic information relating to the giveaway, the dynamicinformation being based on the giveaway data; displaying the dynamicvirtual button as a post in a social media feed of a user provided by asocial media platform, wherein the social media feed includes aplurality of posts, wherein at least one of the plurality of posts isincluded in a social media feed of multiple distinct users, and whereinthe dynamic virtual button is presented in the social media feed of themultiple distinct users; displaying a first set of information of thedynamic information on the dynamic virtual button prior to the user'sinteraction with the dynamic virtual button; detecting the user'sinteraction with the dynamic virtual button; in response to detectingthe user's interaction with the dynamic virtual button, adjusting thedynamic information displayed on the dynamic virtual button from thefirst set of information to a second set of information of the dynamicinformation; determining that the giveaway has ended based on theobtained giveaway data; and in response to determining that the giveawayhas ended, adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the dynamicvirtual button from the second set of information to a third set ofinformation of the dynamic information.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein displaying the first set of information on the dynamic virtualbutton further includes: displaying user-action instructions to enterthe giveaway, the user-action instructions defined by the giveaway data;and displaying at least one of: the prize value for the giveaway, theprize value defined by the giveaway data, the number of winners for thegiveaway, the number of winners defined by the giveaway data, or a timecounter identifying the end of the giveaway, the end of the giveawaydefined by the giveaway data.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereindisplaying the first set of information on the dynamic virtual buttonfurther includes at least one of: displaying a number of usersparticipating in the giveaway, or displaying a milestone number of usersrequired to enter the giveaway to increase the prize value of thegiveaway, the milestone number of users defined by the giveaway data. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein adjusting the dynamic informationdisplayed on the dynamic virtual button from the first set ofinformation to the second set of information of the dynamic informationfurther includes: discontinuing to display the user-action instructionsto enter the giveaway; one of: displaying an incomplete entrynotification indicating the user has not been entered into the giveaway,displaying entrance verification indicating the user has successfullybeen entered into the giveaway, or displaying visual restrictionsindicating the user is excluded from entering the giveaway based on atleast one of the obtained giveaway data or a geolocation of the user;and continuing to display at least one of: the prize value for thegiveaway, the number of winners for the giveaway, or the time counteridentifying the end of the giveaway; wherein adjusting the dynamicinformation displayed on the dynamic virtual button from the first setof information to the second set of information of the dynamicinformation further includes at least one of: displaying a number ofusers participating in the giveaway, or displaying a milestone number ofusers required to enter the giveaway to increase the prize value of thegiveaway, the milestone number of users defined by the giveaway data;wherein adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the dynamicvirtual button from the second set of information to the third set ofinformation of the dynamic information further includes: discontinuingto display one of: the incomplete entry notification indicating the userhas not been entered into the giveaway, the entrance verificationindicating the user has successfully been entered into the giveaway, orthe visual restrictions indicating the user is excluded from enteringthe giveaway; displaying an expiration confirmation indicating thegiveaway has ended; and continuing to display at least one of: the prizevalue for the giveaway, or the number of winners for the giveaway;wherein the method further comprises: detecting a rollover action on thedynamic virtual button; and in response to detecting the rolloveraction: discontinuing to display the expiration confirmation indicatingthe giveaway has ended; and one of: displaying a personal winningnotification notifying the user they have won the giveaway, displaying awinner notification prompting the user to interact with the virtualbutton to view user-data for a winning user of the giveaway, ordisplaying user-data for the winning user of the giveaway.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the giveaway data includes a prize value, a numberof winners to be selected in the giveaway, and an end date/time for thegiveaway.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the giveaway data furtherincludes user-based actions to be performed by participating users inthe giveaway, wherein the user-based actions are defined by capabilitiesof the social media feed.
 7. A computer program product stored on anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium which, when executed bya computing system, controls creation and display of dynamic informationrelating to a giveaway, the computer program product comprising programcode for: providing a configuration interface enabling at least onecreator user to create a social media post, wherein the configurationinterface includes a giveaway toggle; in response to an interaction atthe giveaway toggle, displaying on the configuration interface agiveaway prompt for the at least one creator user to enter giveawaydata, wherein the giveaway data defines at least one of a prize value ofthe giveaway, a number of participating users to be selected as winnersof the giveaway, or end date or time of the giveaway; in response to aninteraction at the giveaway prompt, displaying on the configurationinterface a publication prompt to publish the giveaway; in response toan interaction at the publication prompt, publishing the giveaway in thesocial media post, wherein publishing the giveaway comprises: generatinga dynamic virtual button to display dynamic information relating to thegiveaway on a virtual button, the dynamic information being based on thegiveaway data; displaying the dynamic virtual button as a post in asocial media feed of a user provided by a social media platform, whereinthe social media feed includes a plurality of posts, wherein at leastone of the plurality of posts is included in a social media feed ofmultiple distinct users, and wherein the dynamic virtual button ispresented in the social media feed of the multiple distinct users; thevirtual button in response to obtaining giveaway data; displaying afirst set of information of the dynamic information on the dynamicvirtual button prior to the user's interaction with the dynamic virtualbutton; detecting the user's interaction with the dynamic virtualbutton; in response to detecting the user's interaction with the virtualbutton, adjusting the dynamic information displayed on the dynamicvirtual button from the first set of information to a second set ofinformation of the dynamic information; determining that the giveawayhas ended based on the obtained giveaway data; and adjusting the dynamicinformation displayed on the dynamic virtual button from the second setof information to a third set of information of the dynamic informationin response to the program code determining that the giveaway has ended.8. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein displaying the firstset of information on the dynamic virtual button further includes:displaying user-action instructions to enter the giveaway, theuser-action instructions defined by the giveaway data; and displaying atleast one of: the prize value for the giveaway, the prize value definedby the giveaway data, the number of winners for the giveaway, the numberof winners defined by the giveaway data, a time counter identifying theend of the giveaway, the end of the giveaway defined by the giveawaydata, a number of users participating in the giveaway, or a milestonenumber of users required to enter the giveaway to increase the prizevalue of the giveaway, the milestone number of users defined by thegiveaway data.
 9. The computer program product of claim 8, whereinadjusting the dynamic information displayed on the dynamic button fromthe first set of information to the second set of information of thedynamic information further includes: discontinuing to display theuser-action instructions to enter the giveaway; at least one of:displaying an incomplete entry notification indicating the user has notbeen entered into the giveaway, displaying entrance verificationindicating the user has successfully been entered into the giveaway, ordisplaying visual restrictions indicating the user is excluded fromentering the giveaway based on at least one of the obtained giveawaydata or a geolocation of the user; continuing to display at least oneof: the prize value for the giveaway the number of winners for thegiveaway, or the time counter identifying the end of the giveaway; andat least one of: displaying the number of users participating in thegiveaway, or displaying the milestone number of users required to enterthe giveaway to increase the prize value of the giveaway.
 10. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, wherein adjusting the dynamicinformation displayed on the dynamic virtual button from the second setof information to the third set of information of the dynamicinformation further includes: discontinuing to display one of: theentrance verification indicating the user has successfully been enteredinto the giveaway, or the visual restrictions indicating the user isexcluded from entering the giveaway; displaying an expirationconfirmation indicating the giveaway has ended; and continuing todisplay at least one of: the prize value for the giveaway, or the numberof winners for the giveaway wherein adjusting the dynamic informationdisplayed on the dynamic virtual button from the second set ofinformation to the third set of information of the dynamic informationfurther comprises: detecting a rollover action on the dynamic virtualbutton; and in response to detecting the rollover action: discontinuingto display the expiration confirmation indicating the giveaway hasended; and displaying at least one of: a personal winning notificationnotifying the user they have won the giveaway, a winner notificationprompting the user to interact with the dynamic virtual button to viewuser-data for a winning user of the giveaway, or user-data for thewinning user of the giveaway.